LOCAL authorities have tough decisions to make in the face of swingeing cuts to public funding. Everyone accepts that.

But as well as balancing the budgets, councils must also have a well-balanced range of services which they provide directly or fund through others.

While we all know that there are certain priorities, including public health, highways and transportation, and education, we must not be dismissive of how much of a positive effect arts and culture has on the population.

Among the many cuts being considered by Bradford Council in the run-up to the new financial year are plans to hack tens of thousands of pounds from the section of the budget that gives grants to arts events – among them Ilkley Literature Festival.

The grant from Bradford Council is a little over £11,000 and enables the festival to carry out a wide range of activities, including workshops with inner city schools.

The removal of the grant would be a disaster for the festival and extremely short-sighted on the part of Bradford Council.

The Ilkley Literature Festival is one of the main events in the bookish calendar and attracts many high-profile guests and thousands of visitors to the talks, readings and workshops that are held throughout the festival period.

It is a jewel in the crown of the Bradford district as well, and deserves to have as much support as possible to ensure that it continues to thrive and grow and maintains the excellent level of entertainment and education it delivers.